Premier League gameweek 21 unfolds midweek, spanning Tuesday (14th Jan) to Thursday (16th Jan) (British time). Following the League Cup semi-finals and FA Cup third round, fatigue may play a factor in this busy period. While every Premier League match holds intrigue, some stand out. Liverpool vs. Nottingham Forest is particularly captivating. A Liverpool victory could solidify their title charge, while a Forest upset could derail their momentum as they did earlier this season. The North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham is another crucial encounter. Both teams are experiencing recent struggles, and this match could be a turning point. These two fixtures, alongside the other eight, demand close attention from fantasy managers. They must carefully assess their current players' performances and identify potential selections for upcoming gameweeks.
Key Takeaways from the Gameweek 20
Newcastle United extended their winning streak with a decisive 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. Meanwhile, Manchester City continued their resurgence, securing their second consecutive win with a convincing 4-1 triumph over West Ham United. Bournemouth fought valiantly to earn a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton, while Aston Villa overcame a spirited challenge from Leicester City with a 2-1 win. The London derby between Crystal Palace and Chelsea ended in a closely contested 1-1 draw.
In a thrilling encounter, Manchester United held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw, mirroring the exciting 2-2 draw between Fulham and Ipswich Town. Nottingham Forest joined Arsenal at 40 points with a commanding 3-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Arsenal were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton. Brentford delivered the most resounding result of the round, crushing Southampton with a dominant 5-0 scoreline.
Players to watch out for Gameweek 21
Given the recent spate of League Cup and FA Cup matches over the past week, several teams are grappling with injury concerns and player fatigue. This heightened level of uncertainty makes it paramount for fantasy managers to meticulously track squad availability. The following paragraph can help them in making informed transfer decisions and optimizing squad selections:
Notable Absences
Two players will be unavailable due to suspensions, Darwin Nunez for Liverpool (5 yellow cards in first 19 league matches) and Diogo Dalot for Manchester United (red card in FA Cup win over Arsenal).
In addition to suspensions, several teams are missing players due to injuries such as: Evanilson and Enes Ünal for Bournemouth, Ethan Nwaneri for Arsenal, John McGinn and Ross Barkley for Aston Villa, Armando Broja for Everton, Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham and Niclas Fullkrug for West Ham United.
Forwards
Jean-Philippe Mateta proved his value to Crystal Palace by scoring the crucial equalizer in their 1-1 draw against Chelsea in their last outing. The French forward, who enjoyed a prolific 16-goal campaign last season, particularly excelling towards the end, has yet to rediscover his scoring touch this term. Nevertheless, he remains an integral part of the club. His brace against their upcoming opponents, Leicester City, earlier this season will undoubtedly boost his confidence and inspire him to replicate that performance.
For 12.6 credits, Fulham's Raúl Jiménez could be a shrewd acquisition for your fantasy squad. The former Wolves striker is in red-hot form, netting three goals in his last two appearances, guiding his side out of a tricky patch with a series of impressive draws. Facing a struggling West Ham United next, Jiménez's physical presence and proven goal-scoring prowess in the penalty area make him a compelling option.
Midfielders
Bruno Fernandes once again proved his importance to Manchester United, scoring a crucial goal in their FA Cup victory over Arsenal on Sunday. While the Portuguese superstar has experienced a somewhat inconsistent season by his own high standards, his record against their upcoming opponents, Southampton, is remarkably consistent. Fernandes boasts an impressive seven-goal contributions in just eight league games against the Saints, making him a potential differential pick for fantasy managers.
For 10.3 credits, Newcastle United's Joelinton presents a compelling option for fantasy managers. Firstly, Newcastle are currently on a five-match winning streak in the league, demonstrating their impressive form. Secondly, Joelinton has been a key contributor to this success, playing a crucial role in victories against Aston Villa and Manchester United. His recent performances, combined with Newcastle's strong form, make him an attractive prospect for fantasy squads.
Defenders
Gabriel Magalhães has been instrumental in Arsenal's defensive solidity, contributing significantly to their league-leading defensive record with only 18 goals conceded. His commanding presence and aerial dominance at the heart of the defense have been crucial, while his three league goals this season, including one against Manchester United in the FA Cup, demonstrate his offensive threat and highlight his overall importance to the team's success.
For 5.9 credits, Bournemouth's Miloš Kerkez presents a compelling budget option for fantasy managers. The young defender has shown significant improvement in his second season, not only solidifying his defensive duties but also contributing offensively. His assist for the winning goal against Everton is a testament to his attacking prowess, making him a potentially valuable asset at a budget-friendly price.
Goalkeepers
At just 4.9 credits, Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels presents a compelling budget option for fantasy managers. The Belgian goalkeeper currently leads the league in clean sheets with an impressive nine shutouts, surpassing high-profile names like Pickford, Raya, and Onana. Notably, this tally includes a clean sheet against Liverpool, their upcoming opponents. If Sels can replicate this impressive form against the league leaders, he will not only earn valuable points for his fantasy owners but also significantly contribute to Forest's ambitions, potentially pushing them towards European contention, if not a genuine title challenge.
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